The much anticipated Kingma’s Market in Ada, 444 Ada Drive,  became a reality as scores of customers streamed into the visually stunning building,  featuring an abundance of natural light and the feel of an open market, and is set to become a game-changer in the grocery shopping experience.  

The 14,000-square-foot destination market offers a more intimate shopping experience with features such as a full-service kitchen, Rowster Coffee café with baristas, a Fish Lads counter with world class seafood and much more. Kingma’s, will offer an extensive local and domestic craft beer selection and hundreds of varieties of Michigan, domestic and international wines, along with a sommelier. There will also be an oyster and sushi bar and a multi-season patio with heaters, allowing customers a place to sip, savor and dine. Kingma’s renowned meat counter also offers all-natural, local, high-end and custom-cut meats and poultry. 

Kingma’s is also focused on sourcing through local and Michigan-based businesses with over half of their inventory coming from Michigan businesses. More than just a market, Kingma's in Ada offers a full service kitchen with lunch & dinner items made from scratch. Next time you're in Ada village go check them out... until then here's a sneak peak from our visit during their grand opening party, cheers!

​The Grand Rapids Downtown Market announced today that Pho 616, an authentic Vietnamese eatery, will open in the Market Hall later this summer. Pho 616, owned by Ty Nguyen and Han Lee, will focus on 3-4 traditional recipes, to keep the menu accessible for newcomers to traditional Vietnamese cuisine. They’ll also package all their food for easy carry out, paying homage to its heritage as Vietnamese “street food,” and making it a quick to-go meal option.

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​If you are new to pho, this traditional dish is a broth-based soup with noodles, beef and pork, garnished to taste with a combination of lime, basil, bean sprouts, chives, jalapeno, hoisin and sriracha. Our favorite part of this new venture is the use of Nguyen's family recipes! Passed down through three generations, patrons are sure to get a true taste of traditional Asian culture and the passion behind the bowl. 

“We want to keep the menu simple without too many variations, because Vietnamese cuisine gets its amazing complexity from all the ingredients working together, blending the flavors and aromas,” said Han Lee, co-owner. “There’s so much texture and nuanced taste in each bite, and we want people to experience that authentic version, exactly as it was meant to be.

The space will also have a retail and grocery area consisting of merchandise such as Asian produce, sauces including Hoisin, Sriracha and fish sauce, bottled beverages including coconut water and soy drinks, locally-made ceramic pho dish sets, Vietnamese coffee sets, branded merchandise and more. The Asian produce selection will be seasonal, but will include fresh mangosteen, pomelo, jackfruit, dragonfruit, starfruit, lychee and durian.
 
Pho 616 plans to open later this summer, and will be open until 9 p.m. each night. The restaurant will have counter seating inside, as well as a patio area with a few outdoor tables, and plans to offer catering services in the future.

For more info and updates on Pho 616: facebook.com/Pho616GR

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There is so much to love about the Downtown Market. A mixed-use facility focusing on local food innovation and healthy living, the year round market is also LEED gold certified. Stop by and check out the array of innovative elements like a green roof, live walls, and rain gardens... and don't forget about the FOOD! There are so many wonderful food vendors at the Downtown Market, but here are 3 of our favorite picks for under $10! 
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We visited the Downtown Market to celebrate its newest tenant, Madcap Coffee!  The location marks the second cafe for this locally owned company.  Serving up similar beverages found at their shop off Monroe, Madcap's cafe in the market will also offer new signature drinks including an espresso milkshake!  Yes that is correct... espresso & ice cream! You may jump with joy :) but wait, one more thing... Madcap is collaborating with another local favorite, Loves Ice Cream which is located across from Madcap in the north west end of the market. 

​While Madcap is offering a limited menu this week during their soft opening you can expect to see their full menu roll out over the weekend. If you are out and about this Saturday or Sunday, head downtown and check them out! This may be the best excuse you'll ever have to drink a milkshake in the morning ;) 

Want to live Downtown?

Next time you're looking for a date night location stop by New Holland's Knickerbocker located off Bridge St on the West Side of Grand Rapids. The main level hosts a large bar serving up New Holland's craft beer, large dinning areas & an outdoor beergarden. If you're looking for craft cocktials and a more intimate scene, they have you covered... just head up to the second level and into their cocktail lounge, The Zeppelin.  We stopped by there for a nightcap and were pleasently suprised with a packed house and live music. The staff were prompt, friendly and accomodating, even with a full house the atmosphere was comfortable and enjoyable. Offering live jazz every Friday and Satruday nights, The Knickerbocker offers it all -- great food, beer AND hand crafted cocktails... the trifecta of date night locations ;) ​